Chapter 55: Prelude to the Dueling Cage!

Aboard the *Endurance*, within the Dueling Cage.

Half an hour earlier.

In the expansive hall, three dueling cages stood side by side.

Unlike the usual division of left and right, the crowd was chaotically gathered beneath the central cage, yet it was eerily silent, save for the occasional footsteps.

At the center of the crowd, two figures faced off.

To the right stood a man with unnaturally pale skin, as if corroded by toxic fumes over the years. To the left, another bore a fierce countenance, his exposed skin marred by massive scars.

"Old man, still so arrogant even when you're about to be eliminated?"

["Stick to your pitiful little planet if you can't even speak Gothic."]

Neither understood the other's language, but both could tell from the tone and expression that they were being insulted.

Whispers began to spread among those in the crowd who understood both languages.

"That old man is insulting Barbarus! Go on, Jozar, beat him!"

["Korinor, those whelps are tarnishing the Legion's honor!"]

The initial conflict was soon forgotten as the crowd's emotions flared. The Terrans seemed more restrained compared to the Barbarus natives.

However, among the Terrans, a few veterans looked murderous but were quietly cautioned by those beside them.

Tensions that had been simmering beneath the surface within the Legion now erupted.

The Barbarus natives had long grown tired of the so-called Terran rules, with some spiteful veterans deliberately tripping them up during training.

The Terrans, on the other hand, looked down on these arrogant Barbarus recruits. These youngsters, who had never seen an interstellar battlefield, dared to strut around so proudly?

But what truly gnawed at the veterans was their wounded pride.

Beat them up!

This was the collective sentiment of both sides.

Even if some from Barbarus felt this was too extreme, and some Terrans believed it wasn't beneficial for the Legion's future, the atmosphere was already charged. It wasn't something an individual could stop.

Jozar of Barbarus was the first to leap onto the dueling platform, looking down at Korinor with disdain.

Tsk.

Korinor jumped onto the platform without hesitation.

It might seem dull for a veteran to fight a recruit, but he was determined to put these arrogant newcomers in their place.

As the two took their positions, the crowd naturally parted. Cheers and whistles erupted from the Barbarus side, while the Terrans merely watched with folded arms.

These Terran veterans knew that the recruits stood no chance against them. These overconfident fools.

But if this one-sided duel could make them a bit more humble, then it was worth it.

Both sides watched intently.

**[Death Guard Dueling Cage Rules]**

1. Pick up your weapon and fight until your opponent is incapacitated or surrenders.

2. No lethal or crippling blows. Spectators can intervene if this occurs. Offenders will be dealt with according to Beta Regulation 36.

3. No armor allowed.

4. Weapons provided by the cage are blunted melee weapons.

Jozar didn't hesitate, grabbing a scythe from the weapon rack and challenging the veteran with a defiant look.

He was a regular in the dueling cage, ranking among the top three champions from Barbarus.

Recruits can't beat veterans?

What a joke!

Korinor, however, remained calm, his eyes filled with murderous intent. He wasn't one of those moderates always talking about the future. These recruits needed a beating, and he would deliver it. He chose a two-handed sword.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the duel.

Korinor, contrary to his usual defensive style, launched an aggressive attack with his sword.

Against these recruits, there was no need to show off his true skills.

Jozar deftly parried with his scythe, spinning it to deflect the blow.

Korinor, seemingly thrown off balance by the parry, stumbled.

A perfect opportunity!

Jozar swung his scythe down, but Korinor, who had just seemed off-balance, steadied himself and countered with a swift strike.

["Stay calm, whelp."]

["Don't jump into a feint."]

Korinor's sword was now poised at Jozar's waist, ready to strike. Jozar's scythe, meanwhile, hung frozen in mid-air.

The outcome was clear.

There were murmurs of discontent from the Barbarus side, as if they felt the veteran had deliberately feigned vulnerability.

On the Terran side, there was a calm acceptance. After all, there's no need to applaud when crushing a bug.

Jozar glared at Korinor, sheathed his scythe, and left the platform, spitting in disdain as he went.

The corrosive spit sizzled on the ground.

"I'm next!"

From below, Haznir rushed onto the platform, grabbing a scythe.

But as the two prepared to face off, a commotion arose at the entrance of the hall.

A towering figure entered the dueling hall.

Mortarion, clad in full power armor, his face obscured by a gas mask, slowly walked in, the rising fumes further obscuring his visage.

All the Death Guard present immediately stood at attention and saluted.

How could this be?!

This was the Primarch's first visit to the dueling hall!

Some of the more rational Terran veterans felt uneasy. The timing was too perfect, right when the two factions were clashing.

In the eyes of these veterans, the Barbarus recruits were no match for them. Normally, a private reprimand would suffice. But with the Primarch's arrival, the situation became more delicate.

Defeating soldiers from his homeworld in front of the Primarch wasn't a wise move.

Even if Mortarion didn't voice any objections, it would only worsen the Primarch's view of them.

But if they held back, the Primarch would surely see through their intentions.

Moreover, the veteran on the platform wasn't one of the moderates. He wanted to challenge the Primarch's authority!

Some Terran veterans began to sweat, regretting their decision to come to the dueling cage and get involved in this dispute.

In contrast, the Barbarus natives were eager, determined to earn glory under the Primarch's gaze.

Following Mortarion, Calas Typhon entered, signaling servitors to bring forth a chair suitable for the Primarch's stature.

The Primarch took his seat, the heavy thud of his power armor echoing throughout the hall. The copper incense burner hanging from his armor clinked softly, its sound especially clear in the silent hall.

The "Lantern", a piece of xenos technology, was nestled at Mortarion's waist.

Mortarion's deep eyes, hidden beneath his hood, scanned the room. Their amber hue flowed like molten lava.

He raised his hands and clapped softly.

"Begin, warriors."

[In Barbarus language]

Happy reading!

Thanks to the generous donation and joining the group by 'Pure Ice and Jade'!

I didn't plan to add more chapters, but as a Nintendo fan, I'm quite moved, so here's an extra one!